Ouroboros Series
by Silja Sillanpää & Pasi Pitkänen
A new, abundant and exciting fantasy series begins! A young boy’s search for his mother turns into a mesmerizing quest for the truth that lies in the depths of the earth!
In this subterranean mystery, the central challenge is to discern the truth from the lies, which can be difficult. And, if the truth seems too much to bear, might we even be excused for wishing to believe the lie?
Like a snake, this fantastic mystery series shall keep shedding its skin to reveal new layers. Rune's odyssey serves as a poignant commentary of our times, urging young readers to ponder the nature of truth, and the necessity of hope as they navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world.
#1 The Rainbow Snake
Sateenkaarikäärme, WSOY 2024, 270pp, 9+
Nominee for the Runeberg Junior Prize 2025.
Twelve-year-old Rune bravely sets off on a quest to find his mother, who vanished years ago, seemingly swallowed by the earth. Rune, accompanied by his pet snake Niji, soon finds himself at a mysterious underground station boarding a strange, serpent-like train that is covered in ancient runes.
Dia, a headstrong teenager, becomes Rune’s self-appointed guide in his search of the train for his mother. The carriages that open only with the help of Niji, are filled with strange passangers ranging from escapists and visionaries to catastrophists.
Rune struggles to make head or tail of all that he sees and hears. Is Dia to be trusted? Is his mother even on this train? And who is driving the strange train, and what is its destination?
#2 The Guardian Snake
Haltiakäärme, WSOY 5/2025, 224 pp
The mesmerizing Runeberg Junior nominated fantasy series continues! The train is travelling along a new tunnel but danger is imminent! Rune and Dia must race to save everyone on the train, but have they been given an impossible task?!
The Snake Train speeds perilously through the new tunnel in complete darkness for all its lanterns have been extinguished! Only Niji, the Rainbow Snake, can save the train and its passengers, but first it must be taken to the very tail end of the train. The rumour has it that the end is impossible to reach. The task of taking Niji through the train’s countless carriages to the possibly non-existing end befalls upon Rune and Dia. In addition to Niji, Rune is also holding onto a secret – but at what point does it begin to turn into a lie?
RIGHTS SOLD FOR THE SERIES: Finland WSOY (orig.), Danish Bogoo
Materials available: English translation of Book 1, Finnish edition, Author Letter of the Themes explored in Book1
Prizes & Nominations: Runeberg Junior Prize nominee, Children’s LukuVarkaus Literature Prize winner
PRAISE FOR THE RAINBOW SNAKE:
“From the very first page, Ouroboros captivates the readers in its world of fantasy. This mystical tale sheds its skin multiple times on a seemingly non-stop journey that may, at its core, be a metaphor for modern times and life itself. The story flows from one atmosphere to another. Frightening and distressing situations give way to joy and bright moments through humor. The dark-toned, powerful illustrations invite readers along on an unforgettable journey.”
“Silja Sillanpää has created a fascinating and adventurous story set in a unique underground world. Although long, the book captivated my attention until the end. There is humour in the text that made both adults and children spontaneously burst out laughing. The book is recommended for ages nine and up, but read by an adult, it works for younger readers, too. Pasi Pitkänen’s fine illustrations bring the story to life and there is plenty to explore.”
(b.1975) is a successful Finnish author and screenwriter. She has written for children for 20 years and is renonwned for her television programs, books, textbooks, and plays.
Author portrait © Veikko Somerpuro/Courtesy of WSOY. All rights Reserved.
Silja Sillanpää
Pasi Pitkänen
(b.1984) is a versatile illustrator and graphic designer who worked in the gaming world for years before gracing books with his immense talent. Today, Pitkänen’s illustrations are known in over 25 language territories throughout the world in the translations of bestselling book series such as Kepler62, Pete, The Shadows, and Monster Nanny. Pitkänen is also an author of two picture books of his own.
Author portrait © Jari Riihimäki/Courtesy of WSOY. All rights reserved.